In a major push toward sustainable economic growth in Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited have strengthened their strategic alliance to empower the continent’s next generation of eco-focused innovators.
The high-level meeting, held at the UNICEF Headquarters in New York, brought together TEF Chief Executive Officer Somachi Chris-Asoluka and Generation Unlimited CEO Kevin Frey. The discussions centered on scaling up entrepreneurship-led solutions to combat Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges while simultaneously creating robust economic opportunities for its youth.
Scaling the BeGreen Africa Initiative
At the core of the bilateral talks were the impressive milestones of the BeGreen Africa partnership. The initiative has already emerged as a transformative force on the continent, successfully training, mentoring, and funding over 500 young green entrepreneurs across Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Through this collaborative framework, each selected beneficiary has received US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, injecting critical funding directly into grassroots environmental solutions. By leveraging TEF’s established entrepreneurship ecosystem, the initiative ensures that young African innovators are not only funded but are also equipped with the robust networks and mentorship required to accelerate Africa’s transition to a sustainable and circular economy.
A Coalition Against the Triple Planetary Crisis
BeGreen Africa was co-created as a direct response to global environmental threats. The coalition brings together a powerful syndicate of global stakeholders, including the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNICEF Generation Unlimited, the IKEA Foundation, and the Dutch Government, alongside a dynamic community of young African climate leaders.
“Our ongoing BeGreen Africa partnership is a transformative collaboration that is already tackling the urgent triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion through entrepreneurship-led solutions,” said TEF CEO Somachi Chris-Asoluka.
By empowering youth-led green businesses, the coalition aims to prove that environmental sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand, positioning African youth at the forefront of the global climate transition.
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